Charese Elizabeth Yanney

“Charese provides a tangible example of
someone who is dedicated to improving the lives
of Iowans.”

– Michael Ralston, 2008

Charese Elizabeth Yanney, of Sioux City, is a legacy leader; she is willing to give of herself so that other women can achieve their goals. When she was 12, Yanney started working at the family business and volunteering as swimming teacher at the YWCA. That early work ethic served her well. After college graduation, Yanney spent four years as a junior high school teacher but gradually felt constrained by spending all day in the classroom. So, she decided to make a dramatic career change. She announced to her father that she was resigning her teaching position to work for the family business, Guarantee Roofing, Siding and Insulation Company. She became a partner in the firm a year later and today shares the responsibility of running the company with her father. Yanney tirelessly works to make her community and state better. She has served as chair of the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce, Iowa Association of Business and Industry, United Way of Siouxland, Symphony Board, St. Luke’s Hospital Board, and various state commissions and boards. Her leadership working on behalf of women and girls is perhaps most evident in the launch of two national award winning events for United Way of Siouxland: Women’s Power Lunch and Women United, which have raised more than $516,000 for women and girls in Siouxland. To date, the Power Lunch has raised $231,000 that have been awarded to 68 single mothers. Women United, whose mission is to improve the quality of life for Siouxland youth 0 to 18, has awarded $285,000 awarded to 13 innovative programs. Yanney was born in 1949.